Good News June 11

Congratulations to the final overall champions of the inaugural 2024 FWPS Attendance Cup Challenge. This challenge showcased the dedication of our scholars and educators in achieving attendance excellence. We proudly honor the hard work and perseverance demonstrated over the 8-week challenge.

Overall Attendance Rate Champions: Group A: Thomas Jefferson High School; Group B: Kilo Middle School; Group C: Sherwood Forest Elementary; Group D: Brigadoon Elementary; Group E: Woodmont K-8; Group F: Sunnycrest Elementary; and Group G: Employment & Transition Program (ETP)

Your exceptional attendance sets a remarkable example for our district. Congratulations!

Overall Most Improved Attendance Champions: Group A: Todd Beamer High School; Group B: Sacajawea Middle School; Group C: Rainier View Elementary; Group D: Olympic View K-8; Group E: Mark Twain Elementary; Group F: Sunnycrest Elementary; and Group G: Federal Way Public Academy (FWPA).

Congratulations to Jessica Buchan, Principal of Lakota Middle School, for earning the Federal Way Public Schools Shining Star Award! Jessica's exceptional leadership and dedication have significantly impacted the Lakota community. Her commitment to excellence and creating a positive school culture is evident.

She was nominated by her staff who shared that Jessica's leadership has fostered a nurturing environment focused on closing achievement gaps and promoting social-emotional learning, leading to notable improvements in academic performance and overall well-being. Staff shared that the Lakota admin team’s high expectations and unwavering support are felt throughout the school.

Congratulations to the Decatur High School Jazz Band for their remarkable achievements!

Decatur Jazz Band 1 was honored as an Outstanding High School Large Ensemble at the 47th Annual DownBeat Student Music Awards. Being recognized by DownBeat, one of the most prestigious jazz publications in the country, is an incredible honor and testament to their hard work, dedication, and talent.

Additionally, the band excelled at the 44th Annual Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, where Decatur Jazz Band 1 won first place, the Jazz Quintet secured second place, and scholar, Kysen received the festival's top individual award of $5000 to purchase a new instrument! 

Congratulations to Elide, a 5th-grade scholar from Enterprise Elementary School, for her remarkable achievement of being selected as a 2024 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame Inductee!

Elide's dedication to traffic safety, community stewardship, and leadership has truly set her apart. She has gone above and beyond her duties as a safety patroller, always looking for ways to enhance the safety of our school campus. Her keen observations and proactive approach have led to important changes, such as creating signs to guide parents to safe crossing areas and informing the community through our school newsletter and website about proper and safe pick-up practices.

Elide's induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to her outstanding contributions and her commitment to keeping her peers and community safe. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and her exemplary representation of Enterprise Elementary.

Congratulations to Todd Beamer High School's team for winning the third annual INCubatoredu Entrepreneurship Final Pitch.

These scholars presented their business ideas to a panel of industry judges, sharing their research on costs, market share analysis, and more. The team members, Kaleb, Dylan, and Alex impressed the panel with their innovative product, “Interchangeables” and earned the top prize for being the most viable and market-ready.

One judge was so impressed with their pitch that he offered mentorship and expressed interest in investing in their project. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to their hard work, dedication, and innovative thinking. 

Congratulations to six Federal Way Public Schools scholars who have successfully completed The Knowledge Society (TKS) global innovation accelerator program. This is a prestigious academic accelerator for ambitious high school students with a worldwide reach that recruits scholars from across the world.

After a rigorous selection process, six FWPS scholars were chosen to participate in this 10-month program. They persevered through the weekly 3-hour TKS classes, collaborating with cohorts from around the globe, delving into cutting-edge technology, and exploring innovative solutions for some of the most pressing medical, political, scientific, and social issues facing our world today. 

We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Federal Way Public Schools scholars, Evan, Gabriel, and Jadenn, who have successfully completed the Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) Online Curriculum. This prestigious program involves five months of intensive learning, hands-on interaction, professional guidance, and site-based tours.

Our scholars tackled nine rigorous lessons designed by NASA and the University of Washington. Their dedication and hard work have earned them five University of Washington credits in Aeronautics & Astronautics.

Additionally, due to their outstanding performance, Evan has been invited to participate in the highly competitive WAS Summer Residency and Gabriel has been selected to participate in the Boeing Company's High School Development Program! 

Congratulations to the 24 scholars from all four of our comprehensive high schools for advancing to the WIAA Boys & Girls Track & Field State Championships and Boys Golf State Championships. You represented our schools with pride and excellence at the state level!

Special recognition goes to Federal Way High School scholars, Cassie and Geron, for their outstanding performances at the state level. Cassie emerged as the 4A girls state champion in both long jump and triple jump, showcasing her incredible athleticism and skill. Similarly, Geron demonstrated his exceptional talent by securing the 4A boys state championship title in high jump. 

Congratulations to Todd Beamer High School scholar, Sarah, for her participation in the National High School Gymnastics Association Senior Showcase Invitational!

Sarah's hard work and dedication has been evident throughout her gymnastics journey. Competing at the Senior Showcase Invitational is a significant achievement, demonstrating her talent, culminating years of training, and commitment to the sport.

Her participation in this event brings pride to our school community and highlights the spirit of effort and perseverance that we value in Federal Way Public Schools.